Tuck 2: Good points

So what are the strengths of Stephen R. Lawhead’s Tuck?

Tuck Everlasting? I admit the size of the story put me off, and I thought early on that I'd probably have a "Tuck Everlasting" reference in my review. Amazingly, I do, even though it isn't as relevant as I then believed. For the story moves so swiftly and easily that length isn't a major consideration.

You are There. Although there are places where Lawhead is, I think, reading some modern idea or attitude back into the Middle Ages, there are areas where he recreates the feel of the time well. For example, the power and mystique of the longbow comes across well—the awe and consternation of the Normans confronted with what appears to be especially malevolent magic, as well as the weapon's terrible stopping power. Likewise the general feel of the period is well handled.

Balance. On the whole, Lawhead allows his characters good and bad points, and at least some of the villains have or gain redeeming qualities. While his depiction of the Church leadership is somewhat negative, that was common at the time, and it isn't uniform. It's mostly Abbot Hugo who's the jerk; the other churchmen are more sympathetic.

Speaking of balance, have you checked what the balance of the CSFF tour has to say?

Brandon Barr
Jim Black
Keanan Brand
Rachel Briard
Grace Bridges
Valerie Comer
Amy Cruson
CSFF Blog Tour
Stacey Dale
D. G. D. Davidson
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Karina Fabian
Alex Field
Beth Goddard
Todd Michael Greene
Ryan Heart
Timothy Hicks
Christopher Hopper
Joleen Howell
Becky Jesse
Cris Jesse
Jason Joyner
Kait
Carol Keen
Krystine Kercher
Dawn King
Terri Main
Margaret
Melissa Meeks
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Caleb Newell
Eve Nielsen
Nissa
John W. Otte
John Ottinger
Epic Rat
Crista Richey
Hanna Sandvig
Chawna Schroeder
James Somers
Robert Treskillard
Rachel Starr Thomson
Steve Trower
Speculative Faith
Fred Warren
Phyllis Wheeler
Jill Williamson